Poppy meadows of Merced Valley and Hite Cove

Landscape of Merced River Valley is world famous due to Yosemite Valley – beautiful, impressive glacial valley, the oldest protected area in United States, formally protected since 1866.

One of the most popular routes leading into the park is Highway 140 along the Merced River. When approaching the Yosemites the valley gradually becomes deeper and deeper. In springtime the beautiful landscape is supplemented by unusual sight – high hillsides on both banks of the river bedome colored bright orange by millions of poppies. Merced Valley poppy meadows and Hite Cove wildflower meadows belong to most beautiful wildflower displays in this part of California.

Which poppy is it?

There is some controversy regarding the species of poppies seen in Merced River Vallery and Hite Cove. While some state that this beautiful orange flower is California poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham.), others consider that most of these plants are tufted poppies (Eschscholzia caespitosa Benth.). Both plants are very similar and California poppy forms numerous diverse forms, thus for non-specialist it is not that easy to differentiate them.

Rare salamander

The poppy meadows of hillsides of Merced valley can be observed from car. Although this is beautiful experience, one can’t say that this means being close to nature. Walking on these slopes is not advised – in many cases these steep hillsides are not safe. Under the stones there might be hiding unique amphibian – limestone salamander (Hydromantes brunus Gorman, 1954). This small creature lives only in this part of Merced River Valley and nowhere else in the world, it is hiding deep in talus. Inattentive step might create landslide and kill fragile salamanders. Thus better enjoy the beautiful scenery from the road.

Hite Cove Trail

Hite Cove is named after John Hite who was searching for gold in this area in the 1860s.

One can get much closer to the nature when taking a walk on the Hite Cove Trail which goes along a small tributary of Merced River. Here nature trail leads through some of the most beautiful wildflower meadows. Take a walk here in March – April, and if weather is good, you would be overwhelmed by the beauty of this place.

Golden Gate Bridge / David Ohmer, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Although California is one of states in the United States of America, Americans often compare it to a separate country, e.g. “if California would be a country, it would have the eighth largest economy in the world”. We can go on with this comparison – California has more landmarks and attractions than many large countries of the world.

This is not alien planet. Group of Dragon’s Blood Trees in Socotra. (possibly taken outside Rokeb di Firmihin) / Rod Waddington, Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Biotope is rather small area with uniform environmental conditions and specific community of life. Wondermondo describes biotopes and ecosystems which have striking looks, look very beautiful or have other unusual characteristics.

Recommended books

By Yosemite’s front door are the many treasures of the South Fork of the Merced River; the gold, the flowers, the wildlife and the lore. This book takes you into the rugged wildness, floral panoramas and the exciting past of the beautiful and unique South Fork country – a pristine country now threatened by "hydro-mania."

Born in Yosemite by Peter Hoss, relates his story from the perspective of someone whose parents—when he was born—were already intimately involved in the life of Yosemite. Peter takes the reader on a 75–year journey through the historical events and personal adventures that have shaped his Yosemite experience.